By Steve Broughton
Since writing my previous report on this model
back in April this year (2003), the review model was crashed thanks to the
annoying distraction of two very loud women shouting at each other, just
behind me on my local slope!

Although repairable, I sold the Nano to a friend, in part-exchange for a
PSS F-18 Hornet.

My intention since then, was to buy another Nano simply because it was such
a fun model to fly and gave me a lot of those 'silly grin moments' we love
!

If you take a look at my original review, you'll see that the old model
was fitted with a single Saturn S62 servo for the elevator, whilst two Hitec
HS-55's were used in the wings. On the new model however, I opted to fit
a single Saturn S54 in the fuz, whilst two Saturn S62's were mounted in
the wings. The wings were completely stripped of their covering (why are
most ARTF models covered in transparent yellow?), and the same mods that
were carried out on the previous model, were done on this one too. The Saturn
servo's, being smaller than the Hitec's, fitted the wings perfectly.

In the crash of the previous model, the fuz gave way in around 8 places.
I would in no way say the Nano fuz is weak, as she went in at speed and
at an awkward angle. Learning from that mistake, I decided to add some extra
strength to the fuz by laying up some glass cloth and epoxy inside. Once
cured, the fuz has become a lot stiffer, whilst still retaining a little
flex. The weight penalty is still minimal.

A 5-Channel Jeti Rx has now replaced the somewhat "glitchy" GWS-6N
receiver. I previously coupled the two aileron servo's together on one lead,
but this time around, I'd opted to use both servos on separate channels.
Not only does this help with setting up the ailerons individually, but also
allows you to use differential mixing, as well as flaperons!

The wings and V-tail halves were re-covered in day-glo red solarfilm, whilst
I left the standard transparent red on the flying surfaces.

On the original build I did wondered how I was going to activate the two
elevators? The wire pushrod wasn't a problem, as it's a piece of 22swg wire.
The horns I used however, are no more than small threaded brass adjusters
you can buy from 'FLAIR', for use on closed-loop systems!. I chose these
as they make a neat finish, and don't add a lot of drag. Being threaded,
also allows them to be height adjustable too, if needed !

The maiden flight took place at my usual haunt of Burrough Hill, Leicestershire
on the 09/09/03. The wind was a steady Westerly at 16mph+. Final control
checks were made before throwing her off. On launching, a turn to the left
was noticed immediately, which turned out to be a slight warp on the right
hand wing panel.

After a little trimming, the model was put through it's paces. The C/G was
slightly out, so loops were a little sloppy. Rolls on the other hand, seemed
a lot better, thanks to the addition of differential mixing. Apart from
a couple of little trimming adjustments, I pronounced myself happy with
how she was flying.

Thermalling ability is great, because of the all up light weight. But don't
be fooled into thinking this is a light wind model. The last model only
weighed in at 7oz AUW, but was quite happy to charge around in a 26mph blow!
Diving the model from height is great fun, as she holds her speed very well.

Once
I've sorted all the trimming ailments, this is going to be a stonking little
model. I can't see why these "matchbox sized" rockets couldn't
be used for 'micro' slope pylon racing!

I must mention that this is not a beginners model, as the Nano Floh is highly
agile because of it's diminutive size.

At speed, it changes direction very quickly if not kept in check, and will
let go if you let it get away from you! In the air, this model does fly
extremely smoothly for such a small machine, but when you start to throw
her around at speed, you soon realise what a nutter she really is!

Schmeirer Modellbau and GoGliding should be commended on bringing to the
modeller's attention, a compact little model which performs like a Tasmanian
Devil on steroids !!.

An electric powered version is also available too !

Steve Broughton.

The Nano Floh is imported into the UK by Go Gliding, based in Lincolnshire.
Their website can be found at www.gogliding.net.